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Review #7 of 365
Film: The Matador [R] 96 minutes
WIP: $7.75
When 1st Seen: 17 January 2006
Where Viewed: Loew’s Cineplex Meridian 16, Seattle, WA
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Dedicated to: J. A. of Sea-town, WA
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DVD | soundtrack |
After a completely enjoyable dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, I boarded the escalators to the third floor of Loew’s Cineplex Meridian 16 Theater in downtown Sea-town. In no time, I found myself nearly alone—nearly were it not for a couple that seemed all too cozy a few rows ahead. Fortunately, their potential mischief was cut short as we were subsequently joined by 10 or 12 other folks contented to see The Matador. If you don’t know much about this film, haven’t seen a preview, haven’t read a review, don’t even know who’s in it, you are not alone. Released very quietly on 30 December to squeak in as a 2005 release—did someone think it had Academy Award® potential?—this fine little film has not gotten much attention from anyone. Maybe that is how it should be. This is one of those films, like The Big Lebowski, that has a strong appeal for a certain kind of audience that should find it later on video and therein bring it to near cult status. After seeing this film, it is no wonder that there will be a new actor playing James Bond in the next James Bond film. I guess I’m ahead of myself a bit. You see, The Matador stars Greg Kinnear as some sort of marketing or advertising guy from Denver who gets caught up the web of a sheepish, crude, hired assassin played by showing-a-wee-bit-more-seasoning-as-an-actor-than-he-used-to Pierce Brosnan. Actually, Mr. Brosnan is hilarious in this role of the curiously-named Julian Noble. Meanwhile, Mr. Kinnear as his film foil, Danny Wright, does a delightful job of playing off this new incarnation of Pierce Brosnan with his intentionally scrappy appearance and signature moustache. Of late, I have been praising films for making me laugh, demonstrating what life is really about, and taking me places I have not been before. Hailing myself from the Mile-High City, the latter of the three is out, but the other parts are met well by this film. It was very funny in some parts, and it proved, once again, that everyone needs a little bit of danger in their life to really know they are still alive. The film is, at times, existentially absurd, and I enjoyed those parts the most. I also loved the finale—I won’t say anything more for that would ruin it. Suffice it to say, it will make you, at first quite outraged, and then warm your heart in an absurd sort of way, of course.
So, yes, I enjoyed the movie, but I cannot recommend that you run right out and see it. I struggled mightily with the WIP score determination. First, I do want to give it a few points for, at least, supposedly taking place in Denver—though the filmmakers chose not to take advantage in any way of the locale. I also want to be fair. It was a good film. There is really nothing technically wrong with it. Some might see it as a bit slow in some parts, but that is not a huge issue. In my mind, though, are so many really great movies that should be seen first, and that is sinking the ratings a bit. Realistically, it is on the scale of 6-9.50 somewhere. I guess I’ll let mathematics resolve my indecision and give it the average between the two ends. That seems fair and should give you a good WIP score upon which to base your movie viewing choices.
Now Available for Purchase on DVD
The Matador [DVD] (2005) DVD
The Matador (Widescreen Version) [DVD] (2005) DVD
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